The Link Between Oral Health and Heart Disease

Did you know your mouth can be a window into your heart health? Research shows that poor oral health, especially gum disease, is linked to an increased risk of heart problems.

How Are Oral Health and Heart Disease Connected?

• Gum disease causes chronic inflammation and allows bacteria to enter the bloodstream. This may contribute to the formation of artery-clogging plaques, raising heart disease risk (Lockhart et al., 2012).
• People with gum disease are more likely to have clogged arteries, heart attacks, and strokes (Tonetti et al., 2013).
• Good oral hygiene and treating gum infections may help reduce inflammation and improve heart health.

What You Can Do

• Brush and floss daily to keep gums healthy.
• Don’t skip regular dental visits — gum disease often has no symptoms in early stages.
• Maintain a heart-healthy lifestyle including a balanced diet, exercise, and avoiding smoking.
• If you have heart disease, inform your dentist so they can take special precautions.

Taking care of your mouth supports your heart and overall health — two reasons to smile brighter!

References

• Lockhart, P. B., et al. (2012). Periodontal disease and atherosclerotic vascular disease: does the evidence support an independent association? A scientific statement from the American Heart Association. Circulation, 125(20), 2520-2544.
• Tonetti, M. S., et al. (2013). Impact of the global burden of periodontal diseases on health, nutrition, and wellbeing of mankind: A call for global action. Journal of Clinical Periodontology, 40(14), S1-S15.